Board of Directors

President

Sylvia Shaw, Retired Nonprofit Director

Sylvia is a former small business owner and held management positions in the public and private nonprofit sectors. Her areas of expertise include human resource management, environmental consulting, and assisted living facilities. She has done extensive volunteer work including with the League of Women Voters, League of Conservation Voters, Unitarian Fellowship, Senior Action Coalition, Eureka Housing Advisory Board, and A1AA Advisory Board.

Sylvia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from San Diego State University.

Vice President

Jake Smith, Retired Attorney

Jake is the retired Managing Attorney for Legal Services of Northern California, a nonprofit that continues to provide legal services to empower the poor to identify and defeat the causes and effects of poverty. Jake has practiced as an attorney since 1973. Other Board service includes Redwood Alliance, Northcoast Co-Op, Humboldt Mediation, Northcoast Advocacy, and Temple Beth El.

Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College and Juris Doctorate Degree from New York University.

Treasurer

Edith Stromberg-Wall, Retired Land Developer

Edith developed over 500 homes throughout Humboldt County and served as a founding Board member of Housing Humboldt and River Community Homes. Other Board service includes the Lutheran Home for the Aging in Fortuna, the Arcata Economic Development Corporation housing committee, and the City of Arcata Redevelopment Committee.

Edith completed Business and Real Estate classes at Humboldt State University.

Secretary

Earl Eddy, Retired General Contractor

Earl has extensive experience in the construction industry in California and Michigan. He is currently serving as a Planning Commission for the City of Blue Lake.

Director

Kay Escarda, Retired Teacher

Kay is a retired teacher and a founding member of Housing Humboldt. She is currently active on a number of public service committees including the Eureka Public Housing Authority and the Senior Action Coalition. Kay helped develop the Multiple Assistance Center (The MAC) in Eureka that provides transitional housing to homeless individuals and couples. Kay has been active in the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County, the Retired Teachers Association, the California Senior Leaders Alliance among others.

Kay holds a Bachelor of Arts and Secondary Teaching Credential from Humboldt State University.

Director

Robert Lawton, Mortgage Broker

Bob is the owner of Humboldt Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage located in Eureka. He has been an active participant on the Arcata Economic Development Corporation, Redwood Housing Corporation, and the City of Eureka Housing Authority. Bob also has experience as a land developer and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County.

Bob completed coursework at College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University. He also held a General Building Contractor’s License and he currently holds a California Real Estate licenses. Bob is Housing Humboldt’s Broker of Record.

Director

Dana Gregg, Commercial Lender

Dana is a Commercial Credit Analyst with Redwood Capital Bank. Her professional lending experience includes consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending.

Dana holds an AA from Chemeketa College in Oregon and has completed Real Estate classes and professional development classes.

Director

Malinda Damme, Property Manager

Malinda is currently the Owner and Broker of North Coast Rentals in Arcata. She has over six years experience in property management and worked as an accountant for a Bay Area corporation. Malinda also a member of Rotary of Arcata Sunrise.

Malinda holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an International emphasis from Humboldt State University.